Published: Wednesday, August 21, 2013 at 6:00 p.m.

Last Modified: Wednesday, August 21, 2013 at 6:00 p.m.

The Ocala City Council on Tuesday approved the purchase of a synthetic ice rink for use downtown during the holiday season.

The 64- by 32-foot rink will accommodate up to 40 skaters at a time, according to a memo from Kathy Crile, director of the Recreation and Parks Department.

She recommended installing the rink at the north end of the Sprint lot, leaving the south end for parking. She also recommended charging $5 for a 30-minute skating session.

The artificial ice will come in seamless panels that staff can install.

"The 'ice' is actually high density polyethylene, but the skaters use ice skates just like they would on ice," Crile states in the memo.

A more costly real ice rink is a "gamble" because of the weather and requires a tent, Crile said. "The synthetic ice alternative reduces weather liabilities, requires no tent and is simple to install and maintain."

The total start-up costs, which include the rink, a skate sharpener kit and a shed for the skate house, are $38,241. That'll come from special taxing district funds.

<p>The Ocala City Council on Tuesday approved the purchase of a synthetic ice rink for use downtown during the holiday season.</p><p>The 64- by 32-foot rink will accommodate up to 40 skaters at a time, according to a memo from Kathy Crile, director of the Recreation and Parks Department.</p><p>She recommended installing the rink at the north end of the Sprint lot, leaving the south end for parking. She also recommended charging $5 for a 30-minute skating session.</p><p>The artificial ice will come in seamless panels that staff can install.</p><p>"The 'ice' is actually high density polyethylene, but the skaters use ice skates just like they would on ice," Crile states in the memo.</p><p>A more costly real ice rink is a "gamble" because of the weather and requires a tent, Crile said. "The synthetic ice alternative reduces weather liabilities, requires no tent and is simple to install and maintain."</p><p>The total start-up costs, which include the rink, a skate sharpener kit and a shed for the skate house, are $38,241. That'll come from special taxing district funds.</p>